Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014~ What does it mean for you? 3

It’s been a roller coaster ride with flood insurance, not just for Florida, for the entire United States. Below you will find a a synopsis of the changes. If you have any questions please contact your insurance company.  If you do not have one, please contact me and I can share my resources with you.

Effective May 1, 2014, all buyers of older properties (“pre-FIRM”) will see a premium rate reduction under the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014.
Instead of jumping to “full cost” for flood insurance, buyers will assume the seller’s Oct-2013 rate for a pre-FIRM property.

NAR prevailed upon FEMA to implement this provision seven months early. FEMA also extended the rate relief so all pre-FIRM properties
(including the second homes and businesses) will begin paying Oct-2013 rates when they purchase or renew their flood insurance after May 1, including:

• ALL buyers of a pre-FIRM property, not just those whose seller has an existing policy;
• ALL recent owners who apply for a new flood insurance policy on a pre-FIRM property;
• ALL recent owners who reinstate an old pre-FIRM policy that previously lapsed for any reason;
• ALL recent owners who renew a policy on a pre-FIRM property bought or newly insured after the 2012 Biggert-Waters law.

While expediting the rate relief, FEMA must still issue refunds to all those who paid more than their Oct-2013 rate.
NAR will continue working with FEMA and Congress to quickly issue these refunds to anyone overcharged for flood insurance under Biggert-Waters.

For more information go to FEMA  or FloodSmart for more information